OUR VIEW

Revived oversight of job safety by state a good sign

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Sep 19, 2013

~~<p>As Hawaii's economy steadily rebounds, many are looking forward to the range of jobs opening up. And while it's incumbent upon employees to bring in their best work ethic, employers must ensure that the workplace is as safe as can be. That's not always the case, unfortunately, and that's why it was good to hear that the state's workplace compliance unit is on its way to improved performance and fuller strength.</p><p>Due to state budget cutbacks in 2009, 32 of 51 positions in the Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health Division (HIOSH) were cut. That resulted in a three-year agreement last September for the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to assume control of workplace oversight in some industries here while it also trained HIOSH inspectors.</p>~~

As Hawaii's economy steadily rebounds, many are looking forward to the range of jobs opening up. And while it's incumbent upon employees to bring in their best work ethic, employers must ensure that the workplace is as safe as can be. That's not always the case, unfortunately, and that's why it was good to hear that the state's workplace compliance unit is on its way to improved performance and fuller strength.

Due to state budget cutbacks in 2009, 32 of 51 positions in the Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health Division (HIOSH) were cut. That resulted in a three-year agreement last September for the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to assume control of workplace oversight in some industries here while it also trained HIOSH inspectors. Login for more...